Michigan Lighthouse Festival 2024

What is the Michigan Lighthouse Festival?

Established in 2015, the Michigan Lighthouse Festival promotes the extraordinary history of Michigan’s 129 lighthouses. Each year the MLF travels to a new city and strives to provide a unique experience for people of all ages. Our goal is to highlight both the historical significance and the need to preserve these fascinating pieces of history.

This year in 2024 join us on the shores of Lake Michigan in the City of Holland to celebrate “Big Red”, the Holland Harbor Lighthouse!

The History of the Holland Harbor Lighthouse

Where a narrow outlet from Lake Macatawa empties into Lake Michigan stands one of the most famous sights in Michigan, the Holland Harbor Lighthouse (#65 of 129).  "Big Red" as it is commonly known is the third light to stand on this pier with the first being lit in 1870.  The current structure originally served as the fog horn signal building until 1936 when a square tower was added to its western end along with the lantern room from the previous lighthouse.

The Holland Harbor Lighthouse is owned and maintained by the Holland Harbor Lighthouse Commission.  Unfortunately the lighthouse and the pier are not publicly accessible as it is surrounded by private property.  However, a good view can be found to the north across the river at the Holland State Park and, of course, on the Lighthouse Lunch Cruise aboard the “Holland Princess” planned for Saturday, August 3rd.